2008 KTM news! RC8 1190 tested, LC4’s and everything KTM related!

KTM on the other hand is riding into the unknown with its RC8 1150 prototypes. Currently KTM only operates two prototypes for various testing. We were told earlier this year that KTM would build the world’s most powerful V-twin engine.

With the new Ducati 1098 in mind this could prove to be just hype, but the Austrians seem to know what they are doing. We don’t know that much about the specifics about the engine yet, but it is destined for World Superbike racing in the end.

KTM will most likely not race the RC8 in World Superbike 2008, but rather 2009. ing 2008 KTM plans to race the bike wherever it will be allowed on national level. Current regulations will not allow the 1150 V-twin to be raced either in AMA or BSB which are the two most competitive national series in the world with world class machines and riders.

So what is likely to happen is that the RC8 will be further developed in the national Superstock series in Italy and Germany in 2008.

From the summer of 2007 KTM will escalate its development process from the two prototypes to a full range of nearly production ready machines. And in the Autumn KTM will launch the bike to the press first at the EICMA show in Milan and then the dynamic ride launch immediately after. So the KTM RC8 1150 is one dream bike that can be purchased for the 2008 mangsa.

Our insiders both at KTM and Ducati confirmed exclusively to us that they are in good contact regarding the World Superbike regulations. Both KTM and Ducati have it in their interest to be allowed to race the new machines that will top both firms production range. Liyane: Tor Sagen/Photo: KTM

2008 K T M X-Bow, it’s a car!

We heard about this car coming from KTM a little while ago. Now these are the images. It’s orange and it’s sporty so it must be a KTM! Inggih, it’s not all KTM actually.

The engine is a VW 2Litre from the Golf GTI and the transmission is also from VW. The engine produces 220hp, but can be upgraded to a 300hp version (same as in Audi S3). The carbon fibre monocoque frame has been developed by Italian race firm Dallara. Even though this chassis is very strong, it needs some modification to satisfy AFI regulation for racing. This have already been taken care of by mounting points for the reinforcements being ready.

Dallara also provided the aerodynamic testing facilities. KTM will produce 100 units first depending on feedback from the forthcoming Geneva show. Then a 500 unit production run if demand is there. The UK is perhaps the most important market for such a car, so more than 10% of the initial production will be made with right hand drive. The suspension comes from WP and the brakes from Brembo.

The price will be Euro 40.000 inclusive of VAT. Since we are motorcyclists here at Raptors Rockets and not car drivers we obviously wanted to know what part Polaris played in this project. Polaris owns a good chunk of KTM. but the project is still very much a KTM project. All design and development was done in-house.

KTM will buy back a big part of the shares owned by Polaris by next summer. The co-operation will still continue, but at a smaller scale and at a slower pace than before. Last year KTM played with a sports ATV with Polaris technology so it’s not exactly the first time we see something on four wheels from KTM. but nearly. Tor Sagen Feedback on the KTM car .